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SAVE $170: As of Aug. 21, the Roku 65-inch Pro Series Smart TV is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 65-Inch Pro Series Smart TV $599.99 at Amazon
$769.99 Save $170 Get Deal

We're approaching a new season, which can only mean one thing: cozy movie nights and Gilmore Girls marathons. Fall is undoubtedly the best time of year for relaxing nights in, so why not enjoy them with a new TV? And as of Aug. 21, the Roku 65-inch Pro Series Smart TV is on sale at Amazon, providing an awesome opportunity to upgrade for less.

Right now, it's priced at $599.99 ($170 off). You can also find the 75-inch model on sale ($799.99 down from $998), if you need something bigger.

SEE ALSO: The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is now $20 off at Amazon — upgrade to high-quality 4K streaming

It's a seriously impressive TV, and not just because of the price. It has a QLED screen that delivers bright, vibrant colors and super sharp details, thanks to thousands of mini-LEDs that perfectly light everything you watch. With Dolby Vision IQ, movies, shows, and games feel incredibly lifelike, while the 120Hz refresh rate keeps fast action smooth, perfect for watching sports or gaming.

But our favorite feature? The remote finder button. If you've already looked down the side of the couch, checked behind the pillows, and handled all your pockets, head to the side of the TV and press a button to find where it's hiding.

Head to Amazon to get this great smart TV deal.

While you can't replace the feel of paper — the beauty of bound hardcovers and the ritual of turning the page — an e-reader brings convenience and portability that a physical book just can't beat. Sure, you can throw a book in your tote bag, but what about an entire library?

When you think of the best e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, however this isn't a list of the best Kindles, although we do have a list of those, too.

While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — you can find a couple of equally wonderful alternatives. In fact, as of July 2025, the Kobo Clara Colour dethroned the Kindle Paperwhite to become our favorite e-reader.

SEE ALSO: From the basic to the Paperwhite, these are Amazon's best Kindles

So, what is the best e-reader for 2025? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you're gearing up to read more books this summer or fall, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Featured Video For You Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Most recently, we've tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy. While I was able to test most of Amazon's 2024 Kindle models, I've yet to test the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 21, 2025:

AcrossCommon queries, informally

• The answer is FAQs.

Only four-letter country with a "Q" in its name

• The answer is Iraq.

TV's "The White ___"

• The answer is Lotus.

Something you might "Mark as read"

• The answer is Email.

Late

• The answer is Tardy.

8

9

Down

1

2

3

4

7

Down___ mignon

• The answer is Filet.

Burnt toast has a strong one

• The answer is Aroma.

Only five-letter country with a "Q" in its name

• The answer is Qatar.

Likely inspiration for the mythical kraken

• The answer is Squid.

Sneaky

• The answer is Sly.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Netflix refreshes its catalogue of movies each month, with a major influx of new films hitting the streaming service on the first of every month. So what can you expect come Sept. 1, 2025?

The answer: tons of great watches. Netflix's new film arrivals on Sept. 1 include eternal classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, every Shrek film, and the widely beloved Paddington. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though, as the incoming list features something for everyone.

SEE ALSO: The best comedies streaming on Netflix right now

Looking for a thriller? Turn on Bridesmaids. More in the mood for superhero films? Both of Andrew Garfield's Amazing Spider-Man movies are on their way. Craving a musical fix? Check out La La Land.

You can find the full list of titles coming to Netflix Sept. 1 below.

Here's what's coming to Netflix Sept. 1.

• 8 Mile

• A Thousand Tomorrows: Season 1

• The Amazing Spider-Man

• The Amazing Spider-Man 2

• Billy Madison

• The Boy Next Door

• Boyz n the Hood

• Bram Stoker's Dracula

• Bridesmaids

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Chicken Run

• Dennis the Menace

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

• Edge of Tomorrow

• Escape Room

• The Four Seasons

• Franklin & Bash: Seasons 1-4

• Good Advice 

• Hot Shots!

• Hot Shots! Part Deux

• Inglourious Basterds

• Inside Man

• Inside Man: Most Wanted

• Knocked Up

• La La Land 

• The Land Before Time

• Liar Liar

• Limitless

• Long Shot

• Money Talks

• Orphan Black: Seasons 1-5

• Paddington 

• Phantom Thread

• Puss in Boots

• The Rookie (1990)

• The Running Man

• Shark Tale

• Sherlock Holmes

• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

• Shrek

• Shrek 2

• Shrek Forever After

• Shrek the Third

• Stand by Me

• We're the Millers

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

As a NASA spacecraft whizzed away from Earth at 40,265 mph, it took a brief moment to look over its robotic shoulder at how far it's traveled. 

Psyche, a mission and orbiter named after its space destination, is traveling to a metal-rich asteroid that orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter in the main asteroid belt. While the spacecraft won't reach the asteroid Psyche until 2029, it is already more than 180 million miles away — a distance double the stretch between Earth and the sun.

The new image, which shows Earth along with an even smaller point of light coming from the moon, harkens back to Carl Sagan's famous Pale Blue Dot image, a shot the Voyager 1 spacecraft took in 1990 on its way out of the solar system. That historic photo has come to represent the vastness of space and humanity's humble place within it. 

The purpose of this new image taken in July, presented below, was to test the spacecraft cameras' ability to capture relatively dim objects, whose light is actually reflected sunlight, just like the Psyche asteroid. Other dots in the frame are stars sparkling from the constellation Aries. 

"We are up and running, and everything is working well," Bob Mase, the mission’s NASA project manager, said in a statement.

It's rare to see the Earth and moon together in a photo. This one was taken this summer by NASA's Psyche spacecraft on its way to an asteroid. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU

That the orbiter's instruments and systems are operating as expected comes as a relief for the space agency. In April, engineers paused the spacecraft's four electric thrusters to investigate a surprising drop in pressure. They discovered that a faulty valve that manages the flow of xenon fuel to the engines was to blame. 

Fortunately, the orbiter has another fuel line. After the team switched to using the backup, the spacecraft was able to resume firing its thrusters. 

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope just peeked at Uranus and got mooned, literally

The spacecraft is headed to Psyche because scientists believe it is made of the same stuff found in metallic planet cores, like Earth's. It's most likely battered from many violent ancient collisions. Asteroids are the rocky rubble left over from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Studying this asteroid may provide researchers with clues about what's in our own planet's core and how the rocky planets orbiting the sun formed. 

That's important, scientists say, because it's impossible to get to Earth's core, roughly 1,800 miles below the surface, due to its extreme heat and pressure level. The most cutting-edge drilling instruments, which reach a maximum of 7.5 miles down, haven't gone anywhere close to that deep underground. Arizona State University is leading the mission for NASA. 

Psyche's meandering spiral path through the solar system will give the spacecraft the gravity assists it needs to arrive at its asteroid destination in 2029. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech diagram

Psyche is a potato-shaped asteroid, stretching 173 miles long and 144 miles wide, while being 117 miles thick. No one has seen the giant rock up close — the radar observations are pixelated — so scientists won't know what it looks like until the orbiter arrives. 

Though the spacecraft is already quite far from home, the journey will take much longer. Its next major milestone will be a flyby of Mars in May 2026 to get a propulsion boost from the Red Planet's gravity. 

The team will likely take more sightseeing images to continue testing the cameras along the way. 

"We’re sort of collecting solar system ‘trading cards’ from these different bodies," said Jim Bell, Arizona State's imager instrument lead for the mission, in a statement, "and running them through our calibration pipeline to make sure we’re getting the right answers."

For years, there's been a noticeable Fox-shaped hole in the streaming universe. But that's about to change.

CBS has Paramount+, NBCUniversal has Peacock, and now Fox Corp. is launching Fox One — its direct-to-consumer streaming service — on Aug. 21. The app is a one-stop shop for the entirety of the Fox TV portfolio, including all games, events, and programs that air on the Fox family of networks. You'll be able to watch live sports and events, as well as shows and movies on demand.

"In bringing together the full power of the FOX content portfolio in one service, we have created a great value proposition and user experience that will appeal to the cord-cutter and cord-never fans currently not served by conventional pay TV packages," Pete Distad, CEO, Fox's direct-to-consumer platform, said in a statement.

Its arrival couldn't be timed more perfectly, with Big Noon Saturday (Fox's flagship college football show), the MLB playoffs, and the NFL season kickoff just around the corner.

What is included in the Fox One streaming service?

Fox One is the new home to all of the major Fox channels: Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Weather, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network (B1G), local Fox stations, and Fox Network. It will also have on-demand content from Fox Entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and ad-supported channels like LiveNOW, TMZ, and Fox podcasts. Fox Nation and B1G+ will remain their own independent streaming services, but bundling options will be available.

That means you'll be able to watch live in-network NFL games on Sundays during the regular season, which kicks off Sept. 4. Not to mention, the MLB World Series in October and college football this fall.

In the past, cord-cutters had to sign up for a pay TV provider like YouTube TV ($82.99 per month) or Fubo ($84.99 per month) to watch Fox channels live. Fox One offers a much more affordable and streamlined option.

One notable difference about Fox One compared to other mainstream streaming services is that it won't offer any original content. For now, at least, it's mostly focused on giving cable-less folks access to live programming.

How much will Fox One cost?

Fox One on its own costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, which will save you about 17%. There will also be options to bundle Fox One with Fox Nation for $24.99 per month or $239.88 per year (20% savings).

ESPN's new direct-to-consumer app is set to launch the same day as Fox One. You'll be able to bundle both apps for the ultimate live sports combo for a total of $39.99 per month starting on Oct. 2.

New subscribers (aka everyone) will also get a free seven-day trial of Fox One to kick things off.

How to sign up for Fox One

Fox One is officially available as of Aug. 21. Navigate to FoxOne.com or download the mobile app and follow the prompts to sign up for your free seven-day trial.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox Corp. Fox One Starting at $19.99 per month Learn More

TL;DR: 1min.AI is your all-in-one AI toolkit for business leaders — covering content, images, video, audio, and planning — available for a one-time $79.97 lifetime license through Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03 Get Deal

In today’s hyper-competitive landscape, the difference between growth and stagnation often comes down to how quickly leaders can make smart decisions. Business owners and executives are under pressure to plan faster, execute smarter, and adapt constantly.

Yet the average team still wastes countless hours bouncing between tools and platforms. The 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan offers a sharper path forward: lifetime access for just $79.97 to an AI-driven platform that streamlines everything from content creation and financial documents to video, images, and even PDF analysis.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI says GPT-5 should be more friendly now

Think of it as your all-in-one assistant — only faster, smarter, and never off the clock.

What You Get with 1min.AI

• Chat with top models: GPT-4o, Claude 3, Gemini Pro, Llama 3, and more.

• Content tools galore: Blog generator, keyword research, paraphraser, rewriter, and LinkedIn/Twitter/Facebook comment writers.

• Visual wizardry: AI image generation, background remover, image upscaler, and full editing suite.

• PDF Superpowers: Summarize, translate, and query documents directly.

• Audio & video tools: Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, translations, and professional-level video editing.

• Constant upgrades: Weekly updates and improvements included.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to scale, a marketer juggling campaigns, or a small business owner craving efficiency, this tool doesn’t just save you time — it gives you back entire workdays.

Get lifetime access to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan while it’s on sale for $79.97 through Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Google Docs is fine in a pinch, but Microsoft Office 2019 is still the gold standard — and at $29.97 for a lifetime license, it’s the smarter long-term choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

The free alternative productivity platforms are fine. They’ll get you through in a pinch. But when it comes to creating polished presentations, crunching data like the pro you are, or writing documents without formatting nightmares, Microsoft Office is still the gold standard.

For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97. That’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access — installed directly on your PC, no recurring fees, no cloud lock-ins.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Teams adding protections against malicious files and links

One of the best features of Office is something we usually forget until we need it: it works offline. This means your projects aren’t at the mercy of spotty WiFi. Whether you’re working from a café, on a plane, or in an office basement with zero signal, Office can help you keep things moving.

Office 2019 also comes with upgraded features: smarter Excel analysis, better PowerPoint design tools, enhanced Outlook organization, and smoother inking across the suite. It’s built for professionals who need their tools to just work — day in, day out.

So yes, free is fine. But when you can get the real deal for this price, with a lifetime license, it’s a homerun. Get a lifetime license to MS Office Pro Plus 2019 while it’s just $29.97 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Make wise investing choices with some help from this lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker, now only $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker (Lifetime Subscription) $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal

Ready to put your money to work? If you have funds sitting in a bank account, it may be time to start investing. Sterling Stock Picker can help you do it confidently. Right now, a lifetime subscription to this stock picking software can be yours for just $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

This app simplifies stock market investing with AI-powered insights

Investing in the stock market doesn’t have to be complicated. Let Sterling Stock Picker simplify it for you with this subscription. Built with AI-powered tools inspired by ChatGPT, this software helps you make informed investment decisions for life.

Whether you’re totally new to the stock market or you’re a veteran, Sterling Stock Picker is ready to help you invest smarter. A 5-minute questionnaire helps figure out your risk tolerance and personal values, so that Sterling Stock Picker can find you stocks that align with your values and goals.

SEE ALSO: I worked with AI to invest in the stock market — here’s how it’s going

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the Done-for-You Portfolio Builder option eliminates all the guesswork, allowing the app to continue recommending updates to your portfolio over time. Otherwise, you can pick and choose your portfolio from Sterling Stock Picker’s choices. Its North Star rating system guides you on when to buy, sell, or hold.

You’ll also get access to Finley, your own personal AI financial coach. Finley can help answer questions about your portfolio, individual stocks, or the market in general. It can also give you real-time insights based on actual data.

Invest wiser with this lifetime subscription to Sterling Stock Picker, just $55.19 (reg. $486) with code SAVE20 until Sept. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in hankering for intense drama, feel-good comedy, adventurous animation, or bonkers action, we've got something just for you.

10. Eenie Meanie

Ready or Not's Samara Weaving stars as the eponymous protagonist of Eenie Meanie. Edie Meanie earned this cutesy moniker by becoming the youngest getaway driver of underground crime. But now she's in her twenties, trying to pull her life together with a legit job and by cutting ties from her screw-up boyfriend, John (Karl Glusman). Then he goes and nearly gets himself killed.

The only way to save his neck is to do one last job. Along the way these on-again-off-again lovers will cross paths with criminals kooky and dangerous, engage in wild car chases, and battle with their demons. Written and directed by Shawn Simmons, Eenie Meanie packs a lot into its runtime, including a complicated backstory involving several failed father figures. It feels at times as if Simmons intended this as a mini-series and chopped it down to make a movie work, which... it doesn't really. But if you crave crime thrillers, Weaving shoulders this one ably. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, Randall Park, Steve Zahn, and Andy Garcia

How to watch: Eenie Meanie debuts on Hulu Aug. 22.

9. Hostage

The impossible choice between family or country lies at the heart of Hostage, Netflix's five-part political thriller from Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman. Newly elected and settling into 10 Downing Street with her family, British prime minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) must make unimaginable decisions when her husband Alex (Ashley Thomas) is suddenly kidnapped in French Guiana. With the bar for political thriller series so high — Homeland, The Americans, Netflix's own The Diplomat, House of Cards — Hostage feels somewhat less meticulous than its predecessors. However, what Hostage does deliver is a strong character study through compelling performances from Doctor Foster star Jones and screen icon Julie Delpy as French president Vivienne Toussaint, who has buried a few damning secrets on her way to power. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Suranne Jones, Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Ashley Thomas, and Martin McCann

How to watch: Hostage is now playing on Netflix.

8. The Bad Guys 2

In a playful sequel to The Bad Guys, the animated crew has gone good. But a fresh start is hard to get going when you're better known for your heists than your heroics.

Wolf, Shark, Piranha, Snake, and Tarantula are committed to proving their on the right path now. But that becomes harder when an intimidating trio of criminals — Kitty Kat, Pigtail Petrova, and Doom — tempt them back into being Bad Guys. Hilarious hijinks, high-flying action, and plenty of kooky animals tumble together in The Bad Guys 2. — K.P.

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Alex Borstein, Richard Ayoade, and Lilly Singh

How to watch: The Bad Guys 2 is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

7. Night of The Zoopocalypse

Want something scary and kid-friendly? Then you should check out Night of the Zoopocalypse. The title seems to allude to George A. Romero's landmark zombie movie Night of the Living Dead. But the plot here is more alien invasion — at a zoo.

Quirky young wolf Gracie (Gabbi Kosmidis) is tired of the safety and routine of living at the zoo. She hungers for thrills and adventure. And she'll get plenty when a crashed meteor turns her cuddly neighbors into drooling zombies, determined to spread their contagion one bite at a time. To make it through the night, Gracie will have to make some unlikely allies, like a grumpy mountain lion named Dan (voiced by Stranger Things' David Harbour). Spookiness and silliness abound! — K.P.

Starring: Gabbi Kosmidis, Scott Thompson, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and David Harbour

How to watch: Night of The Zoopocalypse debuts on Peacock on Aug. 22.

6. The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox

Amanda Knox's story is one of a media gone wild, condemning an American student for a heinous crime ahead of her day in court. In Italy 2007, Knox was convicted of the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher. In 2015, she was acquitted by Italy's highest court, but it'd take years more for her to clear her name.

Now, the story of murder, false conviction, and fighting for exoneration takes shape in a new limited series, starring Grace Van Patten as the eponymous accused. While the real Knox shared her story in the Netflix doc Amanda Knox, this dramatized version comes from K.J. Steinberg, writer of such TV dramas as This Is Us, Mistresses, and Gossip Girl. — K.P.

Starring: Grace Van Patten, John Hoogenakker, Giuseppe De Domenico, Francesco Acquaroli, Roberta Mattei, Sharon Horgan, Anna Van Patten, Rebecca Wisocky, and Josh Burdett

How to watch: The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox debuts on Hulu on Aug. 20.

5. Abbott Elementary, Season 4

If you didn't catch Abbott Elementary Season 4 as it aired or streamed on Hulu, now you've got another viewing option. The latest season of Quinta Brunson's Emmy–winning series hits HBO Max this week.

Season 4 of Abbott Elementary continued exploring the lives of Abbott's teachers, diving deeper into Janine (Brunson) and Gregory's (Tyler James Williams) relationship and providing major shakeups when it came to Ava's (Janelle James) tenure as principal. And of course, Season 4 featured the Abbott Elementary/It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover, which brought the Gang into Abbott, with bizarro consequences. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and William Stanford Davis

How to watch: Abbott Elementary Season 4 debuts on Max on Aug. 23.

4. Elio

Pixar's Elio may have bombed at the box office, but don't let that stop you from checking out this sweet, original sci-fi film. Protagonist Elio (voiced by Yonas Asuncion Kibreab) is a lonely misfit with a passion for space and aliens. After spending ages desperately trying to get aliens to abduct him, he finally gets his wish and is whisked away to the Communiverse, where great minds from across the galaxy co-mingle. There's just one catch: The members of the Communiverse think Elio is Earth's leader.

As Elio tries to cement his spot among his new alien companions, he forges an unlikely bond with alien Glordon (voiced by Remy Edgerly), the son of a warlord hellbent on destroying the Communiverse. That relationship becomes the film's heart, and as I wrote in my review, "What follows is a sweet, empathetic look at how to find connection in the unlikeliest of places. That idea isn't exactly new to Pixar — see: Up, WALL-E, and many more — but Elio's inventive setting and lovable main character help cast these eternal themes in a weird and wonderful new light." — B.E.

Starring: Yonas Asuncion Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil

How to watch: Elio is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Peacemaker, Season 2

Can't get enough of James Gunn and DC after watching Superman? Then you're in luck, because Peacemaker Season 2 kicks off this week.

Season 1 was a refreshing standout in a sea of same-y superhero shows, and critical buzz around Season 2 suggests that it's even better. John Cena returns as Chris Smith/Peacemaker, and this time around, he wants to be taken more seriously as a hero. Of course, he's got many obstacles in his way, including multidimensional portals and the arrival of Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), who's hunting him down for killing Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) in The Suicide Squad. That all sounds daunting, but don't worry: We're getting a new opening sequence with a new dance, so at least you can rock out every episode. — B.E.

Starring: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick

How to watch: Peacemaker Season 2 premieres on HBO Max on Aug 21.

2. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise saddles up as super spy Ethan Hunt one last time in the (presumable) climax Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Picking up where  Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One left off, Ethan and his crew of play-by-their-own-rules agents are facing off against a malevolent AI known as "The Entity." Naturally, that leads to more scenic globe-trekking, more jaw-dropping action, more star-studded supporting roles, and more missions not so impossible. 

While this movie is very messy plotwise, Final Reckoning offers undeniable thrills, not only in the form of Tom Cruise's unparalleled dedication to stunts that seem not just dangerous but downright illegal, but also with brief but dazzling appearances from scene-stealers like Love Lies Bleeding's Katy O'Brian and Severance star Tramell Tillman. Oh, mister. Just you wait. — K.P.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Katy O'Brian, and Tramell Tillman

How to watch: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

1. Long Story Short

BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg returns to Netflix with Long Story Short, an animated family sitcom that, just like BoJack Horseman, is hilarious and downright devastating in equal measure. 

At the center of the series is the Schwoopers, a Jewish family from Northern California. Siblings Avi (voiced by Ben Feldman), Shira (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), and Yoshi (voiced by Max Greenfield) are the show's main focus, with Long Story Short flitting around in time to examine each of their triumphs and setbacks, along with all the ways their childhoods impacted their adulthoods. Thanks to its time-hopping structure, the show becomes a moving examination of all the little ways our family can hinder or help us over the years. The effect is magnificent and melancholy, boasting enough clever wordplay and pop culture jokes that, along with a whimsical storybook animation style, help balance the show's heavier topics. Thank goodness the show has already been renewed for a Season 2, because I want more of the Schwoopers, stat. — B.E.

Starring: Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Lisa Edelstein, and Paul Reiser

How to watch: Long Story Short premieres on Netflix on Aug. 22.

Eric Wei didn't break into the creator space from in front of the camera.

In fact, the 32-year-old followed a much more traditional career route: He went to Harvard, then got into investment banking and consulting. But once he started to work closer with creators thanks to a product management job at Instagram, Wei knew he wanted to follow his childhood dreams and pursue a more creative path.

" I said, 'Wow, here's a whole group of people who found a way to support themselves doing what they love.' I want to be a part of that world," Wei told Mashable. "I don't know if I can make content, so let me support them with their finances because I used to work in finance." That was the idea that led to Karat Financial, a tech company that helps creators with their banking and finances.

Credit: Credit: Mashable Composite: Zooey Liao/ Image Credit: Getty Images/ Karat Financial

After building a client roster alongside the Karat team, Wei decided to launch a podcast through the company — the aptly named Karat Podcast, which features interviews with creators like Alex Hormozi, Swell Entertainment, and OfflineTV's creative director Brodin Plett. Beyond Karat, Wei also co-hosts the podcast The Joy of Missing Out alongside creator Chloe Shih.

I caught up with Wei at VidCon to learn about his experiences building up Karat, finding clients, and venturing out on his own content creation journey.

Mashable: What made you want to start a podcast through Karat?

Eric Wei:  Having spent so much time around [creators], a couple of years ago, I said, "I have so many cool friends and clients, why don't we shoot some podcasts? Why don't we get to know each other a little bit?" I started with Nas Daily, a friend of mine I've known for over 10 years from school. And now it's been over two years, I've recorded over a hundred interviews with some of the biggest creators and streamers out there, like LaurDIY, Alex Hormozi, Alex Botez...and it's become so personally fulfilling now to share their stories. It's this very circular motion: I want to be creative, I started a company to work with creatives, and I've gotten to do it myself as well.

When you started the company, how did you build up that relationship of trust with creators?  How was it not like, "I'm just some guy who wants to help you"?

 In the beginning, 100 percent, I was just some guy, and it's because of that nobody wanted to work with us. I remember distinctly in 2020, the government had this program called PPP, which is free stimulus money for creators and businesses in general, and I went to creators and said, "Hey, I can get you access to this." And nobody was interested because they're like, you're just a random guy off the street.

 In the beginning, 100 percent, I was just some guy, and it's because of that nobody wanted to work with us.

The next step was to go out and meet every single possible person connected to the space and try to build a genuine friendship.  I would introduce myself: "Hey, I'm Eric. I have a lot of context experience to add from the tech and finance side. Is there something I can help you with that can become the beginning of a relationship?"

One of the first creators we worked with was Graham Stephan, who is a finance and real estate YouTuber. I saw that I had a mutual [connection] with him through Y Combinator, the incubator we went through, so I asked him to connect us. When I spoke with Graham, Graham had heard of us from another creator that I spent months cold networking to try and reach out to, so he was open to it. I actually flew out to hand-deliver the first Karat business credit card to him. It was literally only for 10 minutes, but showing that I cared and meeting him on the street in Santa Monica helped build an initial relationship — now he's one of my greatest friends and mentors, a client of care, and an investor as well. So you take that and you repeat it 500 times to build that initial set of relationships with creators because everything in this ecosystem is about trust.

Tell me more about that networking process. At a certain point, is it feasible to fly out to all 500 people? How did you develop it to scale?

So it's actually a three-step process. Step one is to go out and make the relationships yourself, and it's really hand-to-hand combat — you need to be everywhere, following every single lead.

Step two is then you think about how do I add value and build a relationship where they see that I care about them, and we can help each other?

Step three is then you host events where they meet each other. For example, every Saturday, I host creator pickleball  with many of the biggest YouTubers in the world coming and playing. Then once they start to mingle and meet with each other and build friendships, you've now built a community that can operate and scale even without you necessarily being there.  It's to the point where people know about me and about Karat because I'm how they met, and they go share with others, "Oh, here's the story of how we first got introduced to each other," and it grows. Then people come to you to join your community.

Have you found that making content yourself has also helped bridge that gap?

So much. Everything I just said helps scale relationships in the real world. But then you amplify it with content. If people meet each other at an event and make content about it, it becomes incredibly more powerful.

In many ways, the podcast is so helpful from a business perspective because it demonstrates to people watching that Eric and Karat have a relationship with Dr. K and ConnorEatsPants because they've made the time to sit down and do an interview together.

SEE ALSO: How this Harvard-trained psychiatrist used Twitch and YouTube to bring mental health education to the masses

And those clips go viral. Then, whenever people meet you, they already say, "I actually know who you are, and what you've done, and you know my friends."

Did you have a moment where you were trying to build a relationship with someone, and you thought you maybe needed to back off? How do you make that call?

 One hundred percent. What people get wrong in building relationships, and quote-unquote networking, is trying to push.  I very much try and share everything I'm doing across different spheres of my life to see if there's something that may pique their interest,  where we can genuinely bond over, or I can be helpful.

As a great example, LaurDIY is one of my closest friends. I met her initially because we were introduced to each other, and we spoke over the phone. She was interested in Karat but, at the time, actually declined. But I met her at an event years later, sharing everything I was up to. I mentioned I was going to a pickleball creator tournament a week later, and she actually loves pickleball.

SEE ALSO: LaurDIY shares her secrets to YouTube success

And we built a friendship.  We've played multiple times a week at this point for a year.  So you share what you're doing in case there's something of interest, you ask what they do to see if there are thoughts you have, and ultimately, if there isn't something that they're intrigued by, you can't push. Another great example:  Karat helps creators with their finances. I'll mention what I do, but if it's not something they need at the time, I leave it there because I know if they do need help, they will come to me.

You let it progress naturally.

Exactly. And I'll say this:  not only do people sometimes push too hard, sometimes, people are afraid to bring any aspect of, "here's something I'd like to do with you together" to a friend.  What I always frame it as is that you can do business with friends.  And it's OK to also make asks as well, because sometimes when you do it in the right way, and you know there's interest, it actually builds the relationship and friendship in itself

 I want to talk more about your podcast and the content that you make yourself. Do you remember your first viral moment?

It's impossible to do good content that's not aligned with yourself as a person. So many companies try and start podcasts that never go anywhere because they're always pushing the product. The first viral moment on that first episode I ever did on the Karat podcast with my friend Nas Daily was actually about relationships.

 I had just gone through a breakup at the time, and I was sharing what I was going through. We talked a lot about attachment styles and how that then changes how you engage in relationships with other people. And Nas Daily was going through a public change in a relationship as well, so we were just talking human to human. That clip on TikTok literally got over 7 million views. While it wasn't aligned necessarily to carry the business, it helped me understand that if you want to develop good content, you have to be true to yourself. You don't have to try and stuff everything into one segment.

Have you found that you have audience members coming to you solely as podcast fans without knowing about Karat Financial?

 Absolutely. The number one thing that matters when helping someone with their finances is whether they have heard of you before and whether they trust the brand name.

I don't expect everybody to know exactly what we do because it's a journey over time. For us, the podcast is successful not only from the personal POV of building these relationships but also from the business POV of helping people say, "Oh, I've heard of you before."

Do you consider yourself a content creator as well as a cofounder?

 Absolutely,  I do both. I have a business. I make content that supports the business, and sometimes, I even make content that's not directly tied to Karat because it is spiritually and personally enjoyable. And I don't think you're able to focus on what you want to do if you don't feel good about the life you've constructed for yourself.

Is that why you started your podcast with Chloe [Shih]?

 Yes! I actually have a second podcast called The Joy of Missing Out with my very good friend, Chloe Shih.  Every week, we sit on a couch and we just yap. We talk about how each of us in our 20s spent so much time working for others, and in our 30s decided to do something different on our own.  And it's so beneficial personally because I found content to be the best possible occasion to just go spend time with friends and hang out.

Doing this has strengthened my friendship with Chloe. And yes, it also feeds back into the business because you build credibility with creators when they see you know how to make content yourself.

Speaking of making content yourself, are there certain platforms you favor?

 Each one of them is really different.  Instagram, because it started as a social network, is the most valuable for building relationships.

TikTok is really good for just trying things out, putting stuff into the ether, and seeing what the algorithm picks up. You get a signal of what people like and want from me. YouTube is great for developing essentially your own little media company. I probably spend the most time on Instagram because it's not just about producing the content, it's about following up and building friendships.

To talk a bit about the business side of being a content creator, do you have any advice for navigating brand deals?

 One of the hardest things for a creator is the classic game of "What's your budget?" You ask them, and they turn back and say, "What's your rate?" It's just two sides staring at each other to see who blinks first. And there are only a couple of ways to resolve this.

First is who wants it more, which, when you're an early-stage creator, it's hard not to want. Second is to get information. Today, this is done through whisper networks, where creators will just hit each other up and say, "Hey, actually, what did you get for this?"

SEE ALSO: How ZoeUnlimited went from accountant to YouTuber with over 3.4 million subscribers

That's one of the things Karat's building out. When we work with creators, they agree to share financial information with us, and we anonymize it with their consent. We're building ways to actually build a database of what you can expect to monetize based on your social stats. We want to give you, when you're in that weird little social standoff, to have just a little bit more information.

Since you're someone who's constantly looking to connect with new creators, I'm curious — which creators do you think are slept on? 

 My number one area of study is creators who are figuring out how to build a business simultaneously. Historically, a lot of early-stage creators really focused on the media side. For example, they would develop really good content first and then build in the business pieces later.

 I did a podcast with this entrepreneur, Alex Hormozi, where he says creators tend to focus 100 percent on the thumbnail and the title, but not enough on how do you actually monetize beyond just brand deals and assets.

So, a slept-on creator, who's actually a Karat client — one of the very first clients on our latest product, Karat Business Banking — his name is Mino Lee. He's about 21 years old and an entrepreneur. A lot of his content is literally like, "I am dropping out of school to try and support myself as a creator."

I remember finding him when he had like 3,000 followers and being like, who is this dude? Just producing these very candid shots of him being like, don't know how to do this, but my goal is to make $5,000 a day. And then to see him a couple of years later, now his goal is like, I want to make a million dollars. I think it's such a great example of a genuine way to do content while building your business, and the two feed and support each other. Now he's also developing businesses around helping other people do the same thing.

So I think that's a new mode: It's the creator as entrepreneur and the entrepreneur who figures out how to lead into content from the very start.

SAVE $300: Pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and get a $300 Amazon gift card for free. This item will be released on Aug. 28, 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold + $300 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

At the Made By Google event, four new smartphones were announced. The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold have now all been announced, and the Fold is already making waves.

If you pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold from Amazon, you'll get a free $300 gift card to spend on whatever you like. The phone comes in two colors: jade and moonstone, and both are available as part of this promotion.

SEE ALSO: Picking up the new Google Pixel Pro XL? Score a free $200 Amazon gift card with this preorder deal.

The Pixel 10 runs on Pixel’s most powerful chip, the Google Tensor G5. It comes with an incredible camera, and has advanced AI with Gemini built in. It’s an unlocked Android phone, so you can pick your carrier and plan. Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major networks are on offer.

The folding screen is the big selling point. Enjoy a tablet-sized 8-inch screen when opened and a handy 6.4-inch display on the outside for quick use. Both screens are super smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate and bright enough to see clearly even in sunlight. The camera system includes a 48 MP wide and a 10.5 MP ultrawide lens. It also supports 23W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Pick up the new Google Pixel Pro 10 Fold at Amazon now.

SAVE $200: The Google Pixel Pro XL comes with a free $200 Amazon gift card. This item releases on Aug. 28, 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Pro XL + $200 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

Google is the star of the show right now with the announcement of not one, not two, not three, but four new smartphones. The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold have all been released — and there's discounts available already.

If you preorder the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL from Amazon, you'll get a free $200 gift card thrown in as a treat. The phone comes in four colors: jade, moonstone, porcelain, and obsidian, and all are available as part of this special preorder deal.

SEE ALSO: Looking to buy the brand-new Google Pixel 10? Get a free $100 Amazon gift card as a bonus.

The Pixel 10 runs on Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip yet. It also comes with an incredible camera and has advanced AI with Gemini built in. You're getting an unlocked Android phone, so you can pick your carrier and plan. It works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major networks, so the choice is all yours.

It has a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display, a brighter and tougher design, and big camera upgrades, including a 450 MP wide and a 48 MP ultrawide lens.

Get this great preorder deal from Amazon right away.

SAVE $100: Pre-order the Google Pixel 10 and get a $100 Amazon gift card for free. This item will be released on Aug. 28, 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 + $100 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

The Google Pixel 10 is finally here, and would you believe that we have a discount already? The long-awaited addition from Google was finally revealed on Aug. 20, and as of Aug. 21, you can get a free $100 Amazon gift card with your purchase.

The Google Pixel 10 alone costs $799, but this special preorder deal throws in a $100 gift card for absolutely nothing. The phone comes in four colors: frost, indigo, lemongrass, and obsidian, and all are available as part of this promotion.

SEE ALSO: Google brings live translation for phone calls and tons more AI to Pixel 10 series

The Pixel 10 runs on Google Tensor G5 (Pixel’s most powerful chip yet), and comes with an incredible camera and advanced AI with Gemini built in. It’s an unlocked Android phone, so you can pick your carrier and plan, and it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major networks.

It has a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display, a brighter and tougher design, and big camera upgrades, including a 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto lens.

Get this great preorder deal from Amazon right now.

When the data runs out—or becomes overwhelming—your next move often depends on something harder to quantify: intuition. It’s not guesswork. It’s a skill built from experience, reflection, and pattern recognition. If you want to trust your gut more confidently as a leader, you need to train it.  Start with the “calm test.” Before acting on […]

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A type of diving.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SCUBA

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A young horse.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FILLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Foolish.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

INANE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To hold down.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

PRESS

Final Hurdle hint

Neither here nor ___.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

THERE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In this age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. If we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with a few quick taps, why shouldn't we be able to find a potential partner the same way?

Sometimes all you want is some fun, and fortunately there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens, whether you believe it or not. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.

Stop us if you've heard this one before: A major video game console maker announced that it's raising prices here in the United States due to "a challenging economic environment."

On August 20 — just hours before the tech world dialed into the Made by Google Pixel 10 launch — Sony announced that it's raising the recommended prices for PS5 consoles by $50 for U.S. retailers. The new prices will likely take effect starting Thursday, August 21, though retailers may implement the new prices at different times.

The news was shared on the PlayStation website in a short statement by Isabelle Tomatis, Vice President of Global Marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment.

"Similar to many global businesses, we continue to navigate a challenging economic environment. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the U.S. starting on August 21...The recommended retail prices for PlayStation 5 accessories remain unchanged, and we have no other price changes to announce for additional markets."

Effective tomorrow, the new recommended retail prices for PS5 consoles will be:

• PlayStation 5 – $549.99

• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – $499.99

• PlayStation 5 Pro – $749.99

Sony didn't announce price changes for shoppers in any other countries, and the statement didn't reveal whether PS5 bundles would be impacted, though this seems likely.

While the statement doesn't mention tariffs specifically, the phrase "challenging economic environment" is a common euphemism for tech companies raising prices because of President Trump's tariffs.

When Nintendo announced that it was raising prices on the original Switch consoles beginning August 3, the company cited "market conditions" as the reason. And when Microsoft announced price increases on Xbox consoles back in April, it also cited "market conditions."

As Mashable has previously reported, the latest round of tariffs from the White House (both threatened and actual) could have an outsized impact on video game consoles and gaming accessories.

"[A] lot of the big electronic brands may have avoided some tariffs by stockpiling inventories earlier in the year, before tariffs were announced," said Rick Kowalski, Senior Director of Business Intelligence at the Consumer Technology Association, in a previous interview with Mashable regarding tariffs. "Those stockpiles will only last a few months at most, so eventually, importers will need to restock, and they'll import more products at the higher tariff rates."

Offers on PS5 consoles PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (slim) $499 ($499) Shop Now Playstation5 Digital Edition – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Bundle $519.99 Shop Now PlayStation 5 Pro Console $699.99 Shop Now

You might be asking yourself, “How old of a graphics card should I buy?” The answer is actually pretty clear, and NVIDIA helps us out a lot by telling us when driver support will end for various graphics cards.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 20, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. This is $20 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (newest model) $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

If you've been looking to upgrade your streaming setup to enjoy all of the new shows and films dropping on streaming services in high-quality 4K, Amazon is here to make your day. The retailer is offering discounts on all its streaming sticks right now, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which is down to $39.99.

This is 33% off its list price of $59.99, offering a nice $20 discount. This Fire TV Stick 4K Max offer is currently marked as a limited-time deal, so it's a good idea to jump on it now before the discount disappears.

SEE ALSO: The Echo Show 5 is back at its lowest price this year — save $25 right now

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers twice the storage of its standard 4K counterpart with 16GB instead of 8GB. It also supports 4K Ultra HD resolution alongside support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio as an extra treat for your eyes and ears. On top of that, it's also the first-ever streaming stick to have the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which allows you to display art and photography when you're not watching something.

There's no better time than now to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Or alternatively, get the Fire TV Stick 4K on sale right now at Amazon.